The public is invited to attend a Memorial Day ceremony on Monday at the Carolina Field of Honor featuring special guests — including former Gov. Pat McCrory — and several events throughout the day.
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Scott Matthews, who serves as chairman of the War Memorial Foundation and Carolina Field of Honor, spoke to Scope News about the event.
“This year’s ceremony is significant because it is our 10-year anniversary,” he said, explaining that McCrory accepted an invitation to return after the then-governor showed up to christen the memorial a decade ago.
“Our Memorial Day ceremony is best described as bittersweet this year,” Matthews added. “The bitter is recognizing those armed forces members that gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Also, we want to recognize their families as well, since they live with that loss daily. The sweet is the fact we are celebrating our 10-year anniversary. We have found that so many events have taken place over the years, such as military reunions, enlistments, commissionings, etc.”
Monday’s events will begin with a performance by the Navy band from Norfolk, Virginia, at 10:40 a.m., with the official ceremony set to commence at 11 a.m.
In addition to McCrory’s keynote address, Matthews said other events throughout the day will include a wreath-laying ceremony, presentation of a bronze plaque, a Marine Corps 21-gun salute, and the ceremonial sounding of “Taps.”
At 7 p.m., veterans will march through a Tree of Valor display featuring trees bearing the photos of fallen service members.
Carolina Field of Honor is located at 9652 West Market Street and the ceremony will take place rain or shine. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.
scopenewsonline.com 